Power Wheels Won’t Go Forward : Fixed With Easy Steps

Power wheels, just like every other machinery, can develop faults, not going forward being a frequent one.

If your power wheels won’t go forward, many factors may have to contribute to it. Some of these factors include dirt, rust, loose wiring, damaged switches, faulty motor or dead batteries.

The good news is that you can fix these issues when they arise and even ensure that they don’t reoccur by upholding some maintenance practices.

And this article discusses these factors in detail regarding what causes them and how to fix them individually.

You’ll also find some maintenance tips to keep the power wheel running as it should. Find the details below.

What Are The Possible Causes Of  Power Wheels Won’t Go Forward?

With power wheels, problems are unpredictable. These are problems you can’t run away from because of it’s built. So, let’s discuss some causes of power wheels won’t go forward.

Dirt or Rust

Power wheels are built with a reverse/ forward switch on the dashboard. This switch enables the power wheel to move forward and backward by indicating the direction the car is to go to gears.

The switch and other parts are usually made of metal or plastic.

Metal and rust or dirt are like bread and butter. When a metal is left for a long period, there is a tendency that dirt or rust will come over it.

Even if it is used daily, if you don’t clean it properly, dirt will accumulate. The presence of dirt or rust on the switch makes it hard to shift into forwarding mode.

When this happens, the power wheel won’t go forward.

Loose wiring

Most times, the wires connecting the switch to the dashboard swing, and gears can come loose.

When this happens, any time you flip to forward mode, nothing happens. In other words, the power wheel won’t go forward.

Wiring is a very important factor in the functioning of any motor, truck, or machinery. If wrongly wired, it could lead to disaster or loss of life (accident).

In this case, if loosely wired, the power wheel won’t go forward. As little as a wire is, it can determine a lot when it comes to power wheels.

Damaged Switch

The phrase “Nothing on Earth is permanent” can be linked to the switch found on the dashboard of a power wheel. This switch is responsible for the navigation of the ride–on car.

It indicates to the gears which direction to go.

Due to its regular function, there is a tendency for the switch to get damaged. When this switch stops functioning, your power wheel won’t go forward.

Faulty battery

Power wheels, as the name implies, require power to function. This power is generated either from a fully or partially charged battery. This battery generates power that enables it to go forward.

The more time you spend driving your power wheel, the more battery capacity is being used. This constant stress on the battery can make the battery faulty.

So, when the battery of your power wheel becomes faulty, the power wheel won’t go forward.

Motor

A power wheel motor can become faulty due to its relationship with the battery. When the power wheel won’t go forward, and you hear a grinding sound, the gears have been affected, and the motor is terrible.

How to Fix Power Wheels Won’t Go Forward?

There are various reasons why power wheels won’t go forward. Each problem has its unique method of fixing, which we’ll be discussing below.

Even if you’re having issues with power wheels for big kids, follow the simple steps below to fix them

Dirt or Rust 

• Step 1: Pop out the switch button
• Step 2: Disconnect the wires from the switch
• Step 3: Clean the metal parts with vinegar acid to remove the dirt or rust
• Step 4: Reconnect the wires
• Step 5: Test the button of the switch.

Loose Wiring

• Step 1: Use a knife to pop up the switch on the dashboard
• Step 2: Check to see if the wires are connected
• Step 3: If one of the wires is disconnected, redo the connection
• Step 4: Press the button into the dashboard
• Step 5: Continue this action until it pops back into place.
• Step 6: Check the shifter at the gearbox to see if the connections to the motor are okay.

Damaged Switch

• Step 1: Get a voltmeter.
• Step 2: Use the voltmeter to check if the current is flowing through the switch
• Step 3: If there is no movement on the voltmeter, you need to start a replacement
• Step 4: Remove the wires from the old switch
• Step 5: Attach them to the corresponding parts on the new switch
• Step 6: Test to start going forward.

Faulty Battery

• Step 1: Charge a similar power wheel battery fully
• Step 2: Connect the negative and positive terminals to the dead battery to the respective terminals on the new battery.
• Step 3: Connect your charger to the circuit
• Step 4: When the charger light indicates green, it means it’s fully charged, remove the new battery.
• Step 5: Then connect the charger to the old battery.
• Step 6: When the charger light becomes green, your battery is fully charged.
• Step 7: Test to start going forward.

Motor

• Step 1: Purchase a new motor.
• Step 2: Remove the wheel to gain access to the underlayer where the motor sits
• Step 3: Unscrew the panel that protects the motor.
• Step 4:  Remove the old motor
• Step 5: Replace with the new motor
• Step 6: Cross-check the wiring connections and close the panel
• Step 7: Replace the wheel and test to start.

How To Take Care Of Power Wheels And Keep Them Running

When you purchase a power wheel, taking care of it is not far-fetched. As a parent, you want to save the cost of repair and want the power wheel to last longer. So, take care of the power wheels and keep them running in the following ways;

User guide & Instructions

Every product has a user guide that helps the buyer achieve the durability and lifespan of the product. The power wheel is not left out, as the manufacturer’s user guide and instructions are always enclosed at purchase.

This guide gives you an insight and overall information on the power wheel, its make, and how to manage it. The first step to taking care of your power wheels and keeping them running is by strictly adhering to the user’s guide and instructions.

Immediately you buy a power wheel for your kid, go through the guide and instructions properly. After this, you can then start to use and teach your kids every information gotten from the guide.

Washing

Power wheels are battery-powered ride-on toy cars, trucks, and ATVs designed for kids. With this in mind, dirt is not farfetched, especially with adventurous children. So, washing becomes a necessity.

Clean surfaces deter dust and rust for metal parts. Plus, an RC car for grass and the one for offroad won’t be the same in developing dust and grime. When your power wheel is dirty, and you don’t wash it, the dirt gets attached.

Constant attachment of dirt to your power wheel can cause its color to fade. Also, it begins to rust for metal parts of the power wheel. Constant washing of your power wheel is one of the factors that will keep your power wheel in good shape and running.

However, there are some guidelines on washing the power wheel without causing any damage or ruining it.

Power wheels and water do not blend. This is because of its battery and electrical components. If water gets into the battery or electrical components, the power wheel will most likely stop working properly. To safely wash your power wheel without damage, all you need is a bucket of soapy water (mild detergent), a bucket of clean water, and a piece of clean cloth.

Outlined below are simple steps to guide you through;

• Step 1: Get a bucket and pour in a bit of your mild detergent. Fill the bucket up with water, preferably warm water. This will help clear away mud, dirt, and other stains effectively. However, you can use cold water, but it will require extra scrubbing to get difficult stains like caked mud off.
• Step 2: Dip your piece of cloth or sponge in your soapy water, squeeze the water out a little. This is to prevent excess water from the cloth or sponge on the surface from dripping into the battery.
• Step 3: Start washing the power wheel with your hands, concentrating on visible dirt and hidden areas that could harbor germs, like the door handles and steering wheels.
• Step 4: When you are done with scrubbing, rinse the piece of cloth or sponge and change your soapy water to a clean one.
• Step 5: Dip your cloth or sponge in your bucket of clean water, squeeze out the water a bit and start to rewash your power wheel. If the bucket of clean water begins to get too soapy, replace it with fresh, clean water at intervals.
• Step 6: Continue hand rising your power wheel until all the soap suds disappears. When the power wheel has been rinsed, get a dry cloth and wipe dry the entire power wheel.

Final words

As you can see, fixing power wheels that won’t go forward is not the most complicated thing as you might think it is.

Power wheels can bring so much joy to the kids and the family. It is, therefore, necessary to take proper care of them to last and run for a longer period.